helping a shop choose a green target

The initial target and cost do not need to be precise

You don't need to give the business exact advice yourself. Just a broad idea of a target and cost using the "rules of thumb" in this section.  9carrots works with Suppliers that will give you up-to-date advice when you have got the business signed up to the idea. The technology is changing fast and the suppliers are more than happy to advise and install.

9carrots is good at one-off purchases that can be saved for and then purchased. There is no current model allowing it to pay for on-going costs, e.g. recycling, eco-electricty tariffs, packaging changes.

(try to get a variety so that 9carrots look interesting to shoppers):

• Replacing old fridges and freezers can save up to 60% energy consumption, and they're on 24 hours a day.
• Vehicles - although they're expensive, they're big users of energy.  An electric car or motorbike for doing deliveries is a green option.. and pretty damn cool.
• Low-energy lighting - Halogen or tungsten bulbs can be replaced with LEDs or CFLs which use about 5x less energy. Payback periods can be as little as 6 months with these.

(more effective after energy saving changes):

• Solar panels are a long-term investment but really show everyone that the business is truly committed to a sustainable future. They will cost at least £10k. Budget around £3k for the 9carrots contribution to these as we will use a loan system offset against the savings.

Please add to this list and share your knowledge, especially after talking with suppliers :)